IT is encouraging to have something very special to look forward to in 2009, when most everything else connected with the world of entertainment is linked to gloomy predictions of cutbacks, cancellations and closures because of the economic downturn.

One man who seems determined to buck the trend is Ken Chaisty, the Horwich-based retired painter and decorator, who, during the past couple of decades, has established a reputation for being something of a showbiz entrepreneur.

Apart from the regular Sunday afternoon jazz sessions he ran at Horwich RMI Social Club, Ken has organised no fewer than seven sell-out concerts locally, featuring his long-time friend Eric Delaney, the master drummer and showman, whose professional career has spanned almost 70 years.

Ken stayed in close contact with Eric during the drummer’s lengthy stints in Benidorm before he returned to live permanently in the UK, and recently helped him relocate from Ilford to Wandsworth, both suburbs of London.

Eric, who will celebrate his 85th birthday on May 22, is still zooming round his monster drum kit and timpani with the energy of a considerably younger man, much to the astonishment of everyone but himself.

Ken Chaisty is determined to mark that anniversary with another of his hugely popular and successful concerts at Horwich RMI, featuring the great man, Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra and the incomparable Mark Nightingale, rated the finest jazz trombonist on the planet.

Trying to organise a birthday bash of that magnitude is no easy task and Ken assured me there is still a fair chunk of “fine tuning” to be done before he can announce that his plans are all in place.

However, I know him well enough to guarantee that if determination, effort and enthusiasm have anything to do with it, the Eric Delaney 85th birthday concert will get the thumbs-up.

And if that doesn’t go a long way to brightening long-term prospects for the new year, then I don’t know what will. Watch this space.

Encouraging news, too, from Denis Dundon, the man responsible for running weekly jazz concerts at The Rhythm Station in Rawtenstall, which during the past few years became recognised and accepted as one of the best jazz venues in Britain.

Towards the end of November, the Rhythm Station went into receivership.

However, Mr Dundon acted swiftly to secure another venue and reports, with a mixture of relief and optimism, that St Mary’s Chambers, in Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall (postcode BB4 6QX), is proving popular with musicians and club audiences.

Concert nights have been switched from Tuesday to Wednesday, and anyone who is looking forward to starting the new year in style should make the short trip to Rawtenstall to hear Alan Barnes and Bruce Adams launch the 2009 programme at St Mary’s Chambers next Wednesday.

Barnes (reeds) and Adams (trumpet) are close friends, as well as brilliant musicians, and their regular appearances at The Rhythm Station never failed to delight and entertain East Lancashire aficionados.

Mr Dundon is determined to maintain the high standards set at the original venue and another date for your attention is January 28, when the phenomenal Gilad Atzmon will appear with his new quartet. Enjoy!